"If we're looking at long term solutions, the changes need to be within the systems that prevent people from realizing the opportunities they can have."

How would our city change if we collaborated more? New Memphis convened a series of conversations with leaders from three visionary organizations who are revolutionizing the way Memphis develops and implements solutions. Hear how these big visions for big change are coming to life and learn how you can get involved to amplify access in this week's episode!

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• New Memphis Leadership Summit on August 9, 2024
• TEDxMemphis on September 28, 2024
• More for Memphis
• Slingshot Memphis
• The Collective Blueprint
• S4E18 Explore the Experiences
• BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"You borrow things from your neighbors, and the library is everyone's neighbor. We lend you our books, our space; why not lend other stuff, too?"

They say don’t judge a book by the cover, but what about libraries? Memphis is full of unique libraries that create access and opportunity, not only for knowledge, but experiences. Today we’re chatting with Anthony Lucatelli and Jenna Pertl of Memphis Public Libraries to share about the access made possible through collaboration, specifically their Library of Things.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• New Memphis Leadership Summit
• TEDxMemphis 2024
• Memphis Public Libraries
• Library of Things
• Seed Library
• Cloud901 Teen Learning Lab
• Youth Action Council
• BRIDGES
• S4E7 "Leadership at Every Age"
• Language Learning at Memphis Public Libraries
• Cossitt Library
• Memphis Botanic Garden
• S4E16 "Not-So-Secret Garden"
• UT Agricultural Extension Office
• The Works Inc.
• S4E26 "Full Bellies and Full Hearts"
• LINC 2-1-1
• Memphis Library Foundation
• Friends of the Library
• Memphis Area Legal Services
• Memphis Shelby County Room

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"The need is there; people are hungry. We will continue to provide resources, but we have to also figure out a way to truly make it attainable with the education piece and policy, too. We continue to be reactive rather than proactive... food should be a true right attainable to everyone."

New Memphis has had several conversations about how social determinants of health all rely on each other for optimal community health. Research indicates a link between chronic diseases — such as heart disease, cancer, asthma, diabetes, and kidney disease — and low food security. This topic is often discussed around the holiday season, but it is of critical importance during the summer months, particularly for youth.

Joining us to discuss the essential stopgaps as well as what is needed to address basic, structural problems, are Ann Perry Wallace of First Congo and Karen Bernard of The Works Inc.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Memphis 101 on July 11
• 2024 New Memphis Leadership Summit on August 9
• 2024 TEDxMemphis on September 28
• Memphis-Shelby County Schools Nutrition Services' Summer Meal Program through August 2, 2024. For a full list of participating sites, text "SummerMeals" to 97779, call 1-866-348-6479 or visit SCSK12.org/summermeals.
• MIFA's Meals on Wheels programming for seniors
• The Memphis Dream Center food resources
• The Memphis Flyer article "The Fight for Food"
• The Works, Inc
• First Congo Church
• Meanwhile in Memphis S3E47
• Food Swamps vs Food Deserts
• Mid-South Food Bank
• Mid-South Food Bank's Mobile Pantry
• South Memphis Farmers Market
• Meanwhile in Memphis S3E11

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.